Growing up in a single-parent household shaped me in ways I never expected. My mom carried the weight of being both provider and caregiver, juggling endless responsibilities to ensure I had the best opportunities possible. Watching her sacrifices taught me the meaning of perseverance, resilience, and unconditional love. At the same time, navigating life with one parent came with challenges, financial struggles, emotional burdens, and the constant pressure to be strong, even when things felt overwhelming. Compounding these challenges, my chronic illness added another layer of hardship. Doctor’s visits, treatments, and hospital stays placed both emotional and financial strain on my family. But despite these obstacles, my mom never let me feel like I was alone. She showed me that strength isn’t about struggling- it’s about pushing forward, even when the odds feel stacked against you. Her determination to give me a full, meaningful life inspired my own drive to overcome adversity and support others facing similar battles. One of the greatest struggles I faced growing up was severe bullying, both in person and online. As a child with a chronic illness, I was an easy target. The cruelty I endured deeply impacted my self-esteem and mental health, making me feel isolated and unworthy. However, instead of allowing those experiences to break me, I turned them into fuel for my future. I developed resilience, learning how to rebuild myself after being torn down. Now, I want to use that strength to help others who feel trapped by their circumstances. My future is dedicated to using my experiences to uplift children in vulnerable positions. I plan to become a rehabilitation psychologist specializing in pediatrics with chronic illness. Too often, children battling medical conditions also face emotional isolation, bullying, and trauma, struggles I know all too well. I want to be the person who helps them process their pain, navigate their emotions, and see themselves as more than just their illness. I want to advocate for the integration of mental health care in pediatric treatment, ensuring that children receive not only medical support but also the emotional and psychological resources they need to thrive. Beyond my career, I envision a future where I can use my talents to create safe spaces for children who feel alone. Whether through mentorship, advocacy, or direct therapy, I want to be a guiding light for those who are struggling. I want to develop programs that address the mental health needs of children facing chronic illnesses and bullying, providing them with tools to cultivate resilience and reclaim their sense of self-worth. Growing up in a single-parent household has given me the strength to overcome obstacles, the compassion to understand the struggles of others, and the drive to make a difference. It has shaped me into a person who refuses to let hardship define them- someone who turns pain into purpose. Through it all, my mom has been my greatest supporter. She has always believed in my vision, encouraging me to pursue my dreams even when the path seemed uncertain. Her unwavering faith in me has been a constant source of strength, reminding me that I am capable of achieving my goals. Because of her support, I am more determined than ever to use my voice, my education, and my heart to help others. My experiences have made me who I am, and with my mom's encouragement, I know I can make a lasting impact on the lives of children who need someone to believe in them, just as she has always believed in me.

Growing up, I faced severe bullying, both in person and online. My chronic illness made me a target for relentless cruelty—peers mocked my physical limitations, spread rumors, and used social media to tear me down in ways I couldn’t escape. Every notification felt like an attack, every school day a battlefield. The pain wasn’t just emotional; it affected my mental health, my sense of self-worth, and my ability to trust others. There were moments I felt completely alone, questioning if I would ever escape the cycle of harassment. Yet, through these hardships, I discovered an unshakable resilience within myself. I refused to let bullying define me. Instead, I used my experiences to fuel my passion for helping others, especially children who feel powerless in the face of adversity. I know what it’s like to feel unheard, to feel trapped in a situation that seems inescapable. That’s why I’ve dedicated myself to making a difference in my community. I have been actively involved in mentorship programs, supporting younger students who struggle with bullying and self-esteem. Through volunteer work, I’ve helped create safe spaces where children feel valued and empowered to speak about their experiences. I also advocate for cyberbullying awareness, educating youth about online safety and digital well-being. Social media can be a powerful tool, but it can also be a weapon—teaching children how to navigate it safely is crucial. I emphasize the importance of digital boundaries, recognizing harmful interactions, and seeking support when needed. Beyond direct mentorship, my experiences have shaped my career aspirations. I am committed to becoming a rehabilitation psychologist specializing in pediatric chronic illness and mental health. Too often, children facing medical challenges also endure social isolation and bullying, compounding their struggles. I want to be a voice for these children, helping them develop resilience, process trauma, and find strength within themselves. I aim to advocate for mental health integration in pediatric care, ensuring that no child feels alone in their fight. However, pursuing this path comes with financial challenges. Due to my medical expenses and my family’s financial situation, I have a significant need as I enter higher education. The cost of tuition, textbooks, and living expenses presents a major hurdle, but I refuse to let financial barriers stand in the way of my ability to help others. Any support I receive will allow me to focus on my studies and community work, bringing me one step closer to making a lasting impact. At my core, I believe that pain does not have to break us—it can shape us into something stronger. My struggles with bullying and chronic illness have given me the strength to advocate for others, to ensure that children never feel as alone as I once did. I am determined to turn my experiences into a force for good, protecting and uplifting the next generation. That is my mission, and with the right support, I will make it a reality.